| Birth: | Dec. 25, 1920 | | Death: | Nov. 20, 1943 | 
World War II Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Served in the United States Marine Corps as a staff sergeant, and he was from Texas. He was awarded his medal posthumously for action at Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, on November 20, 1943, during World War II. Official CMOH citation: For valorous and gallant conduct above and beyond the call of duty as a member of an assault engineer platoon of the 1st Battalion, 18th Marines, tactically attached to the 2d Marine Division, in action against the Japanese-held atoll of Tarawa in the Gilbert Islands on 20 November 1943. Landing in the assault waves under withering enemy fire which killed all but 4 of the men in his tractor, S/Sgt. Bordelon hurriedly made demolition charges and personally put 2 pillboxes out of action. Hit by enemy machinegun fire just as a charge exploded in his hand while assaulting a third position, he courageously remained in action and, although out of demolition, provided himself with a rifle and furnished fire coverage for a group of men scaling the seawall. Disregarding his own serious condition, he unhesitatingly went to the aid of one of his demolition men, wounded and calling for help in the water, rescuing this man and another who had been hit by enemy fire while attempting to make the rescue. Still refusing first aid for himself, he again made up demolition charges and single-handedly assaulted a fourth Japanese machinegun position but was instantly killed when caught in a final burst of fire from the enemy. S/Sgt. Bordelon's great personal valor during a critical phase of securing the limited beachhead was a contributing factor in the ultimate occupation of the island, and his heroic determination throughout 3 days of violent battle reflects the highest credit upon the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country. (bio by: Russ Dodge)
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Note: Also has a memorial marker at Ft Sam Houston National Cemetery. | | | Burial:
National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific
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Honolulu
Honolulu County
Hawaii, USA
Plot: Plot A Row 0 Grave 481
*Former burial location |
Maintained by: Find A Grave
Originally Created by: US Veterans Affairs Offi...
Record added: Mar 04, 2000
Find A Grave Memorial# 3770021 |
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Cemetery Photo
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Brenda N
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2kjmom
Added: Nov. 20, 2012 |
Rest in peace, Marine. Thank you for your service and sacrifice. May we always honor the high price you paid your our freedom. God bless you for your gallant defense of a noble cause. Because of you, millions still live in the freedom you died defending.
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Sharon
Added: Nov. 20, 2012 |
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Susie
Added: Nov. 20, 2012 |
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